Sleep & stress10 min
Brahmi and Tulsi Tea for a Busy Mind
A light tea of dried brahmi and tulsi leaves, sipped in the early evening when the mind feels busy and scattered.
Why brahmi is used this way
Brahmi (Bacopa) is a small creeping herb Ayurveda links with memory and a calm mind. Some studies suggest a mild effect on memory after weeks of use; it is not a quick fix.
Brahmi and tulsi are both traditional calming herbs. A mild tea of the two is a gentle evening ritual, best combined with switching off work and screens.
Ingredients
- ½ tsp dried brahmi leaves
- 6 tulsi leaves
- 1½ cups water
How to prepare
- Steep both in just-boiled water for five minutes; strain.
How to use
- Sip in the early evening, a few times a week.
- Try a 10-minute walk or slow breathing after.
Helpful habits
- Brahmi is sometimes confused with gotu kola (mandukaparni); check the label.
Precautions
- Brahmi can upset the stomach; take after food if needed.
- It can loosen stools or upset the stomach in some people.
- Check with a doctor if you take thyroid, sedative or psychiatric medicine.
- A home remedy, not a treatment. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or get worse.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink it at bedtime?
- Yes, though early evening avoids night-time bathroom trips.
Fresh or dried brahmi?
- Either; use a few fresh sprigs if you grow it.
How long before brahmi shows any effect?
- Studies used it for 8 to 12 weeks; it is gentle and slow.
